adam berman | cinematographer | director of photography

Award-winning motion picture cinematography for film and television production

"It all began when I was 14-years old. My mother bought a 35mm Minolta still camera and it pretty much became mine. From there, I became a photographer for the high-school newspaper and then moved up to being a photographer for the college newspaper at Washington State University. In 1987, I transfered to the University of Southern California after being accepted into their School of Cinema-Television where I earned a Bachelor's degree in Cinema and Television Production.

What can I say, I've been shooting film ever since...

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work with many of the best cinematographers around. The great thing is that I was exposed to many approaches and styles. I learned what I liked and I learned how to problem solve for a variety of lighting situations.

My favorite lighting style is to shoot with natural-looking, motivated light sources. I enjoy working with large soft sources and then "paint" in the shadow areas. I work very hard to make certain that whatever story is being told is enhanced and communicated with the light and images.

To me, the best cinematography is the kind that takes you into another world—cinematography that brings you the expereince of the story and makes you quickly forget that you are watching a movie. Seamless and realistic.

The great masters of light who inspired me include Dante Spinnoti, ASC Heat, The Insider, Vilmos Zsigmond, ASC Sugarland Express, The Deer Hunter, Don Burgess, ASC Cast Away, and Contact, and John Toll for his brilliant work on Legends of the Fall. Finally the greatest master of light in my opinion is Rembrandt. His art has truly been inspirational to me. My favorite piece is The Polish Rider, a magnificant work of art.

Directors I admire include Akira Kurasawa Ran; Tony Scott Enemy of the State; Ridley Scott Gladiator; Gus Van Sant Good Will Hunting; and Michal Mann Insider and Heat.

Movies on my must see list would be Gladiator starring Russel Crowe; Enemy of the State, starring Will Smith and Gene Hackman; The Muse, starring Albert Brooks and Sharon Stone; Good Will Hunting starring Matt Damen and Ben Afleck; and Heat starring Robert Dinero, and Al Pacino.

I've been blessed by being able to make a living doing what I love to do."

—Adam Berman, Cinematographer